Established in 2013, Smokehouse Jerky Co. has grown significantly over the past decade, becoming a leading private label provider for over 150 jerky and snack companies. Franco and Patti Fonseca assumed company ownership in 2017 and have since been dedicated to refining their jerky and snack lines. Operating under the name Tender Heifer Snack Co., Smokehouse Jerky Co. actively seeks new distributors nationwide and also offers private label services.
With a diverse product range, Smokehouse Jerky Co. presents an array of options, including beef, bacon, game, and exotic jerky, as well as meat sticks. The brand is distributed by Tender Heifer Snack Co., which is headquartered in Beaumont, California.
The next review on Smokehouse Jerky Co. will focus on a 3 ounce/85 gram bag of their Original with Jalapeno Cheese flavored meat stick. This flavor is described as the perfect blend of hearty meat flavor and zesty jalapeno cheese, made with only the highest quality ingredients. The meat stick was kindly submitted for review by co-owner Franco Fonseca.
Ingredient Review
Ingredients: Pork, Beef, Water, Salt, Spices (including Ground and Whole Mustard Seed), Corn Syrup Solids, Dextrose, Garlic Powder, Spice Extractives (including Celery Seed), Encapsulated Citric Acid (Citric Acid, Hydrogenated Palm Oil), Sodium Acetate, Sodium Diacetate, Sodium Erythorbate, Sodium Nitrite. Stuffed in Colored Collagen Casing ). Pasteurized Processed Cheese Sticks: Cultured Pasteurized Milk, Water, red and Green Jalapeno Peppers, Salt, Sodium Phosphate, Sorbic Acid (Preservative), Added Color, Enzymes. Allergen Warnings: Milk
The pork used is guaranteed to be raised ethically with no antibiotics and no added hormones. This pork is not guaranteed to have at least partial free range access to roam outside. The beef used is not guaranteed to be free of growth hormones. Also, the beef is not guaranteed to have at least partial free range access to graze on grass. As a result, the highest ingredient rating that can be awarded is a Good (8/10) rating.
Some healthy ingredients added are spices, mustard powder, mustard seeds, garlic powder, spice extractives, and celery seed extractives.
Hydrogenated palm oil is used, which contains unhealthy trans fat to lose a rating.
The artificial color red #40 or an equivalent is likely used in the collagen casing to lose a rating.
The sugar level is perfect at 0 grams of sugar per 25 grams of meat stick. The salt level is a little high at 400mg of salt per 25 grams of meat stick to lose a rating. Our preference is 350mg of salt or less per 28 grams of jerky.
Unhealthy sodium nitrite is used as a preservative in this meat stick to lose a rating along with sodium erythorbate. Admirably, this meat stick has no MSG added.
Fair (4/10) – Ingredient Rating
Taste Review
SMOKEHOUSE JERKY CO. – ORIGINAL MEAT STICK WITH JALAPENO CHEESE
Written by guest jerky reviewer Paul Rekker
When I open the bag I smell what I think to be vinegar, not much else.
The meat stick looks like most other meat sticks in shape and hue. The meat stick is similar in shape and hue to most other meat sticks. It is soft(ish) but more rigid than some others we have tried in the past. There is no oily residue left on your fingers handling these meat sticks.
When I bite into the meat stick, I detect a slight snap to the collagen casing, which is not the greatest but better than some meat sticks. The flavors I am encountering are salt at a decent level, next to no sweetness, a very good thing, black pepper at a respectable level, along with slight garlic and onion, as well as a subtle hint of vinegar. The kick is coming from the jalapeño cheese. The meat stick does taste good, and it tastes like an original flavor.
The jalapeño cheese adds a different dimension to the meat stick. I take a bit of jerky, then I follow it up with a bite of cheese. It is a very favorable combination. The cheese, along with the jalapeño spice, is a delectable taste experience. I am thoroughly enjoying the mixture. The meat with the cheese, along with the kick, is making this a hands-down 10/10 as far as I’m concerned. Gentlemen?
Written by guest jerky reviewer Stéphane Leclerc
I appreciate this Smokehouse Jerky Co. Original Snack Stick with Jalapeño Cheese. The meat stick is lean, flavorful, and delicious, with a pleasant acidity that adds freshness to the product. The flavors are nicely balanced, the spiciness is in the background and the flavor profile is rich and exquisite. The cheese and the meat stick are a great combination, and they wonderfully complete each other.
I can only find pros and no cons with this tasty treat; it checks every box in my book. The texture, the aroma, a nice spicy kick, and great smokiness is certain to be a crowd pleaser.
This Smokehouse Jerky Co. Original Snack Stick with Jalapeño Cheese is a very creative idea, as they both are delicious on their own and dynamite while paired together. I’d rate this delicious treat an easy 10/10 Taste Rating.
This 3 ounce/85 gram bag of meat sticks sells online for $9.99. That works out to $3.33 an ounce, which rates as an expensive price.
Excellent (10/10) – Taste Rating
Bag Review
This non-resealable plastic bag has a label affixed to both the front and back. The label has a fairly detailed picture of a wooden shack with a “Smokehouse” sign.
There are no slogans printed on this bag. The only facts printed on this bag are “Made in U.S.A.” and “Fully Cooked”.
The only missing bag category is a best before date. A batch number is printed, which could translate to a best before date.
Order their jerky online: www.smokehousejerkyco.com
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